Baltic Dental Services offers a full range of diagnostic and corrective procedures.

Tooth Extraction including wisdom tooth extraction. Teeth are typically removed because they are impacted (blocked from growing normally) or for positional reasons. Tooth extraction is performed with local anesthesia if the tooth is exposed and appears to be easily removable.

Fillings Probably to most common of all dental procedures and usually associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cavities (caries). The materials used can vary but conventional dentistry advises cosmetic resins for durability and aesthetic reasons. However, we can also apply amalgam, metal, or porcelain, as required.

Inlay Sometimes a more durable and stronger alternative to amalgam or composite filling is required. In such a case we prepare a custom-made gold or porcelain alloy cast and cement this inlay to a previously prepared tooth cavity.

Onlay For more extensive coverage with extends beyond the tooth cusps, an only may be called for. This procedure involves applying a gold or porcelain inlay which has the effect of leaving more natural tooth than if using a crown.

Veneers are thin exteriors that are applied to the tooth and carefully bonded to the surface. Porcelain is the typical material used owing to its durability and cosmetic advantage. Veneers are a popular alternative to crowns since less tooth material is removed with little loss in aesthetics. While it is necessary to take a mold of the teeth, turnaround time is relatively fast with final application and bonding usually occurring the 3rd of 4th day.

Crowns A crown is a permanent covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged or cracked. Crowns are made of a variety of different materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin, or a mix of these materials. Porcelain generally has the most natural appearance, although somewhat less durable. The treatment plan for a patient receiving a crown involves, numbing the tooth to remove the decay in or around it, then sculpting the tooth to provide an ideal fit for the crown. The next step is to make an impression of the teeth to create a custom-made crown. In the interim a temporary crown is made out of acrylic resin and fitted onto the tooth. Finally the permanent crown is applied by removing the temporary crown and fitting the permanent one onto the tooth and cements it into place.

Bridges A bridge is a dental device that fills a space that a tooth previously occupied. A bridge may be necessary to prevent shifting of the teeth that can lead to bite problems (occlusion) and/or jaw problems and resultant periodontal disease. Bridges also safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile. The three main types of bridges are the fixed bridge. This is the most popular and consists of a filler tooth that is attached to two crowns, which fit over the existing teeth and hold the bridge in place. The “Maryland” bridge which is commonly used to replace missing front teeth and consists of a filler that is attached to metal bands that are bonded to the abutment teeth. The metal bands consist of a white-colored composite resin that matches existing tooth color. And, finally the cantilever bridge is often used when there are teeth on only one side of the span. A typical three-unit cantilever bridge consists of two crowned teeth positioned next to each other on the same side of the missing tooth space. The filler tooth is then connected to the two crowned teeth, which extend into the missing tooth space or end.

Implants Dental Implants are artificial tooth replacements that were first developed half a century ago by a Swedish scientist named Per-Ingvar Branemark. Implants arose from the patient’s need to secure loose-fitting dentures. Since the advent of the implant, engineering and enhancements to the implant has enabled dentists to expand the implant’s usefulness, including the replacement of missing or lost teeth. Today, implant techniques consist of three main typess: root implant, plate form, and subperiosteal implant The root implant, the most popular, is often as strong as the patient’s original tooth. The implant or artificial root is placed into the jawbone under local anesthesia, then allowed to heal and integrate with the bone. Once the healing process is completed and the jawbone is attached to the implant, the patient returns to the dental office where the implant is fitted with the new tooth. The material used is generally pure, unalloyed titanium, which is completely accepted by the human body. During preliminary examinations the doctor checks the patient to decide if placement of dental implants can be carried out. This includes a dental examination (which teeth must be substituted, if the jaw is suitable for receiving the implants, taking of X-ray shots, etc.), and general medical examinations (laboratory tests). The insertion of implants is carried out under local anaesthesia.

Dentures Complete Dentures are a removable prosthesis that restores function and appearance in the mouth as well as surrounding facial tissues when all teeth are missing. Overdentures and Implant Overdentures are similar to a complete denture, in that a removable prosthesis is fabricated when several teeth can be saved; an overdenture is made to fit over the roots of these teeth. Overdentures preserve bone and greatly increase denture stability. In individuals who receive dental implants, an overdenture provides far more stability than traditional dentures. A Removable Partial Denture is a prosthesis that contains artificial teeth supported on a metal framework and is retained and supported by natural teeth with clasps and rests. It is suitable when only a few teeth are missing.

Tooth Whitening There are two main forms of tooth whitening. The first is professional bleaching which is the most common form of tooth whitening. Not everyone is suitable for such treatment so after our diagnostic exam we will be able to tell you if it's right for you. The procedure is rather simple. First a rubber shield or a gel is applied to your gums to protect the soft tissue. They we will apply the whitening material to your teeth, via a custom mouthpiece which fits securely inn place. The active ingredient in the process is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As this active ingredient is broken down, oxygen is imparted within tooth enamel with a resulting whitening effect.

A more recent development in whitening technology is the so-called 'power whitening or laser enhanced whitening. During this procedure a rubber dam is placed over your teeth to protect soft tissue. Then a bleaching product is applied onto your teeth. The whitening effect begins when a light or laser is directed at the teeth to activate the chemical. The light energy has the effect of accelerating the chemical reaction resulting in more rapid color change. Changes in color of up to six shades are not uncommon.